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f HOPKINS i SONS N 
BOOK\Q$HOUSE 

V .-.. . J 



GUIDE 



KNOWLEDGE OF THE CONSTELLATIONS. 



Pep. 8vo. cloth, price 2s. 6d. 

HALF-HOURS WITH THE TELESCOPE: 

Being a Popular Guide to the Use of the Telescope as a means of Amusement and Instruction. 
By E. A. Pboctob, B.A. F.E.A.S. 



' Full of practical information.'— Morning Stab, 
' A simple and useful exposition of the science and art of observ- 
ing with the telescope— what to see and how to see it.'— Globe. 

' Mr. Proctor has a good name in astronomical instruction. He 
7 -e gives us an introduction on the structure of the telescope, 



" useful and intere-tim; intenieui.m." and will form a valuable 
companion to the various admirable handbooks for which Mr. 
Hardwicke enjoys so good a reputation.'— Illustrated Times. 

'Celestial phenomena and t. Ie-e,,|,i,- oni-traction are here so 
clearly expounded as to fully entitle the little work to be called " a 



useful and reliable :'nide 1 



::■ telc-copist." '—WEEKLY 



y in h-,a ■-( iiiLT and instructive volume h 



and one worthy of wide ci 



i.'— Sunday Times. 



' We know not which most to admire— the clear, pointed, descrip- 
tive letter-pre--. or the equally u>< -i u! and emnpr. 'abusive maps 

We do not know of any other work so admirably adapted to render 
the study of the phenomena of the heavens at once interesting and 
instructive to beginners.'— Derby Mercury. 

' Well fitted to direct thecuriosity of those who have at command 
a good two-inch object gla-s. Tl.o-c who have worked without 
"" ' it appreciate the 



London: EOBEET HAEDWICKE, 192 Piccadilly. 



THE POPULAR SCIENCE REVIEW. 

Nine vols, of this periodical are now complete. Cloth, £5 lis. ; half morocco, £6 17s. 6d. The 9 vols, contain a careful 
resume of every branch of Science for the last nine years, "with Eeviews of the Principal Scientific Books which appeared 
during that period, as well as Popular and Interesting Articles by well-known Writers on nearly every subject which 
engaged the attention of the Scientific World. Amongst the rest the following may be named as bearing on Astronomical 
Science, many of which are illustrated by chromolithography : — 



By R. A. PROCTOR, B.A. F.R.A.S. 

How to Work with the Telescope. 
The Planet Mar- in January IM',7. 
Jupiter without his Satellites. 
The Great Eclipse of August 18G8. 



By JAMES BREEN. 



What fills the Star Depths ? 
The Sim's Corona. 



By JAMES GLAISHER, F.R.S. 

Balloon Ascents and their Scientific Importance, with Illustra- 
tions showing the arrangement of Instruments in Car of 



By TOWNSEND HALL, F.G.S. 



London: EOBEET HAEDWICKE, 192 Piccadilly. 



HALF-HOURS WITH THE STARS: 



A PLAIN AND EASY GUIDE 



THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE CONSTELLATIONS, 



SHOWING, IN 12 MAPS, THE POSITION OF THE PEINCIPAL 

STAE-GEOUPS NIGHT AFTEE NIGHT THEOUGHOUT THE YEAE, WITH INTEODUCTION 

AND A SEPAEATE EXPLANATION OF EACH MAP. 



TRUE FOR EVERY YEAR. 



RICHARD A. PROCTOR, B.A., F.R.A.S. 

LATE SCHOLAB OF ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE, CAMBBIDGE, AND MATHEMATICAL SCHOLAR OF KING'S COLLEGE, : 
ATJTHOB OF ' SATTJBN AND ITS SYSTEM,' ' HALF-HOURS WITH THE TELESCOPE,' 
' THE HANDBOOK OF THE STARS,' ' SUNVIEWS OF THE EAETH,' ETC. 



POUKTH EDITION. 



NEW YOEK: 
G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS. 

1873. 



PKEFACE 



THE FIKST AND SECOND EDITIONS. 



The object which I have proposed to myself in the preparation of this work has been to teach 
the beginner the stars in a manner which there can be no misunderstanding. I had the same 
object in view in preparing my Constellation- Seasons ; but experience has shown me that to attain 
that object it is necessary to consult the beginner himself. I found on doing this that my Constella- 
tion-Seasons were not so well suited to the purpose I had in view as I had expected. Meridians 
and parallels, equator, ecliptic, and tropics, which had seemed to be absolutely necessary to the 
completeness of the maps, tended only to confuse the beginner. So also did the introduction of 
fourth-magnitude stars and the less important constellations. Other features of those maps, also, 
while increasing their utility. (I think) to the more advanced student, rendered their meaning less 
obvious than is desirable for the beginner. In these maps I have discarded everything which could 
by any possibility be confusing. In place of letters indicating the points of the compass, the words 
eastern horizon, north-eastern horizon, &c. are written in full, and natural features round each map 
indicate the fact that the circumference of the map really corresponds to the horizon of the 
observer. The word ' overhead ' is put on the centre of each map in place of ' zenith.' The hours 
to which each map corresponds for different days are written in according to the simplest mode of 
expressing them. And, lastly, the days proper for the nse of each map will be found to run without 
interruption from the beginning of the year in Map I., to the end of the year in Map XII. ; the 
interval between successive dates never exceeding four days. 

I believe I am not claiming too much for these maps in saying that they are the first series 
ever published, which the beginner could not possibly misinterpret, even if he paid no attention to the 
accompanying letterpress. 

E. A. P. 

South Lambeth : 1869. 



PREFACE 



THE THIRD EDITION. 



Since the First Edition of this work was published, the companion series of maps entitled the 
Constellation-Seasons has passed out of print. I have not thought it desirable to republish that 
work, because I find the present series far more popular ; and that though in reality the two 
works were in many respects quite distinct, the points in which they resemble each other are those 
to which the readers have attached chief importance. It has seemed to me therefore that, as the 
older work — the Constellation-Seasons — was my own property, while the present belongs to my 
friend tbe publisher, it was desirable to prevent anything like a clashing of interests in this 
matter. 

There were, however, some features in the Constellation- Seasons which were not altogether 
satisfactory to me. In the present work, as mentioned in the Preface to the First Edition, all that 
could perplex, even the youngest beginner, has been very carefully removed. 

It is necessary, perhaps, to point out that this work is intended as a companion to a series 
of star-charts, not as in itself a star-atlas. The possessor of a good star-atlas will find that this 
work serves the purpose of a key to the atlas ; and, on the other hand, the possessor of the present 
work will find that an atlas is needed to exhibit the details of constellations. 

We do not at present possess any satisfactory atlas sufficiently cheap for general use. I am pre- 
paring, however, a- small atlas, reduced from my large one, which will present many advantages 
over any at present in existence. Although the work will be small and handy — such a book as the 
observer can conveniently carry in his pocket — the superficial scale will be half as large again as 
that of the S. D. U.K. smaller atlas, each map of which occupies a sheet some 16 inches square. 
Yet each map of the series will cover a tenth part of the heavens, the reduction in size being 
simply obtained by the adoption of a scheme which reduces the distortion to an absolute minimum. 
The difference between the two series in this respect is shown by the fact that whereas a space 



VI PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION. 

covering an area represented by 14 on the globe would be distorted near an angle of an S. D. IT. K. 
map so as to cover an area of about 73, in my atlas sucb a space would nowhere be distorted so as 
to cover more than 15 ; in other words, the monstrous increase of 59 in the case of such an area in 
the S. D. U. K maps is in my atlas reduced to an increase of 1 only. 

This work will, before long, be published by Messrs. Longman & Co. I believe that the atlas 
will be found as necessary a companion of the present work as this work will be of the atlas. 

EICHAED A. PEOCTOE. 

London : January 1871. 



HALF-HOUR ON THE USE OF THE MAPS. 



It is very easy to gain a knowledge of the stars, if the learner sets to work in the proper manner. 
But he commonly meets with a difficulty at the outset of his task. He provides himself with a set 
of the ordinary star-maps, and then finds himself at a loss how to make use of them. Such maps 
tell him nothing of the position of the constellations on the sky. If he happen to recognise a con- 
stellation, then indeed his maps, if properly constructed, will tell him the names of the stars forming 
the constellation, and also he may be able to recognise a few of the neighbouring constellations. 
But when he has done this he may meet with a new difficulty, even as respects this very constella- 
tion. For if he look for it again some months later, he will neither find it in its former place nor 
will it present the same aspect, — if indeed it happen to be above the horizon at all. 

It is clear, then, that what the learner wants is a set of maps specially constructed to show him 
in what part of the sky the constellations are to be looked for. He ought on any night of the year 
to be able to turn at once to the proper map, and in that map he ought to see at once what to look 
for, towards what point of the compass each visible constellation lies, and how high it is above the 
horizon. And, if possible (as the present work shows is the case), one map ought to suffice to 
exhibit the aspect of the whole heavens, in order that the beginner may not be confused by turning 
from map to map, and trying to find out how each fits in with the others. 

It is to fulfil these requirements that the present maps have been constructed. Each exhibits 
the aspect of the whole sky at a given day and hour. The circumference of the map represents 
the natural horizon, the middle of the map representing the part of the sky which lies imme- 
diately overhead. If the learner hold one of these maps over his head, so as to look vertically 
upwards at it, the different parts of the horizon marked in round the circumference being turned 
towards the proper compass points, he will see the same view of the heavens as he would if he were 
to lie on his back and look upwards at the sky, only that the map is a planisphere and the sky a 
hemisphere. 

But although this illustration serves to indicate the nature of the maps, the actual mode of 
using them is more convenient. 



8 HALF-HOUR ON THE USE OP THE MAPS. 

Let it first be noted that properly speaking the maps have neither top, bottom, nor sides. Eacb 
map may be beld with any part of the circumference downward : then the centre of the map is to be 
looked upon as the top for that part of the circumference. The portion of the map lying beneath 
the centre represents the portion of the sky lying between the point overhead and a certain portion 
of the horizon — the part in fact corresponding to the particular part of the circumference which is 
turned downwards. Thus if on any night we wish to learn what are the stars towards the north, 
we look for the map corresponding to that night. At the hour named the stars towards the north 
will be those shown between the centre of the map and the top ; and, of course, we hold the map 
upside down so as to bring the centre above the northern part of the circumference. 

But this matter will be more clearly understood by comparing the account of any of the accom- 
panying maps with the map itself. 

Again, it must be noted that, although the maps are necessarily arranged in a certain order, 
there is in reality no first or last in the series. The map numbered I. follows the map numbered 
XII. in exactly the same manner that the latter follows the map numbered XI. The maps form a 
circular series, in fact. 

The only reason for numbering the maps as at present, is that the map numbered I. happens to 
exhibit the aspect of the sky at a convenient hour on the night of January 1. It will be found that 
the dates follow on with intervals of three or four days right round the year, the end of the year 
falling in the left-hand column of Map L, while the beginning of the year is in the middle column 
of the same map.* 

It will be seen at once that a map can always be found corresponding to a convenient hour on 
any night of the year — except only in Midsummer, when on a few of the dates, night has not begun 
at the hour named. It was impossible without spoiling the regularity of the dating, or adopting an 
inconveniently late hour for all the maps, to avoid this difficulty. Bnt as a matter of fact the 
difficulty disappears at once when the student is told that on any date named under a map, the 
aspect of the sky two hours later than that named is that represented in the following map. Thus 
at eight o'clock in the evening of June 21, the aspect of the stars is as shown in Map VL, but tLe 
, stars cannot be seen because it is still broad daylight : at ten o'clock, however, on the same night, 
the aspect of the sky is that shown in Map VIL, as indeed the first date under that map shows. 
Applying this rule to the few occasions on which the hour named is not available for observation 
(five or six in all out of ninety-six dates), the observer can manage as well for those occasions as for 
any others. 

* It may be mentioned in passing, that the dates have not heen thrown in so as to fall regularly round the year, but 
correspond with the variations due to the earth's variable motion round the sun. 



HALF-HOUB OX THE USE OP THE MAPS. 9 

Next as to finding the north point, or any point of the compass which will enable the observer to 
determine the rest. If he is only familiar with the aspect of those seven bright stars of the Great 
Bear which have been called Charles' Wain, the Butcher's Cleaver, and by other names, he can 
always determine the north point by means of the two stars called the pointers, since these seven 
stars never set. In the explanation of each map I have shown where the Great Bear is to be looked 
for on each night, the observer being assumed to have such a general knowledge of the direction of 
the compass-points, as will suffice for the purpose of finding so marked a collection of stars. Thus 
the pole-star is found, and for the purpose of such observations as are here considered, this star may 
be looked upon as marking the exact direction of the north. 

Perhaps nothing further is required, but if the observer prefer it he can determine the north 
point conveniently at noon by setting up a vertical stick in the sunlight and noting the direction in 
which the shadow lies. But this must be done at true noon ; that is, when the sun is due south, 
and this does not agree with clock-time. However, if the observer notices that from December 25th 
to April 15th he must make the observation in the afternoon, thence to June 14th in the forenoon, 
thence to August 31st in the afternoon, and thence to December 25th in the forenoon ; the time 
after or before noon being taken from the column in Hannay's Almanac, headed * equation of time ' 
(the fourth column after the calendar for each month), he can learn the north point on any day in 
the year with the utmost nicety. Once the observation has been made, he can note what objects 
(these should be distant) lie towards the different points of the compass, and from that time he can 
use the accompanying maps without any reference to the Great Bear and the pointers. 

It is worth noticing that the stars called the Guardians of the Pole form no bad time-piece 
when used with the aid of such maps as the present. They revolve round the pole once in twenty- 
four hours (less about four minutes), in a direction contrary to that of a clock's hands. But stars 
near the equator, whose motions are much more rapid, afford a yet better measure of time, if the 
direction of the south point is well determined. 

Of course, the observer who really wishes to become an astronomer will not rest satisfied by 
learning only the principal stars shown in these maps. By means of regular star-maps he will be 
able to explore the depths of all the constellations, having once learned their position and general 
appearance from the accompanying maps. It will be well for the student to remember that the 
planets Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will at times appear among the constellations here shown. 
But besides that Venus and Jupiter can always be recognised by their superior light, and Mars and 
Saturn by the steadiness with which they shine, Hannay's Almanac will always show when those 
stars are above the horizon, their hours of rising, southing, and setting, and so on. As they never 
appear save among the zodiacal constellations, also, it becomes very easy to recognise them. 



10 



HALF- HOUR ON THE USE OF THE MAPS. 



The following table exhibits the names of all the stars of the first three magnitudes to which 
astronomers have given names ;' at least, all those whose names are in common use : — 

a Andromedae, Alpheratz 

8 , Mirach Mizar 

y , Almach 

a Aquarii, Saduhndik 



a Aquilse, Altair 

8 , Alshain 

y , Tarazed 

a Arietis, Hamal 

3 , Sheraton 

y , Mesartim 

a Auriga?, Capella 

8 , Menkalinan 

a Bootis, Arcturus 

3 , Nekkar 

i , Izar, Mizar, Mirach 

r, ■ , Muphrid 

a Canum Ven., Cor Caroli 
a Canis Majoris, Sirius 

& , Mirzam 

i , Adara 

a Canis Minoris, 1 



r Capricorni, Secunda Giedi 

' , Deneb Algiedi 

, Schedar 




I Ceti, Baten Kaitos 

o , Mira 

a Columbae, Phact 

a Coronse Bor., Alphecca 

a Corvi, Alchila 

S , Aigores 

a Cateris, Alkes 

a Cygni, Arided, Deneb Adige 

8 , Albireo 

a Draconis, TJmban 

6 , Alwaid 

y , Etanin 

/3 Eridani, Cursa 

y , Zanrac 

a Geminorum, Castor 

8 , Pollux 

y , Alhena 

8 , Wesat 

e , Mebsuta 

a Herculis, Has Algethi 

8 , Korneforos 

a Hydra, Al Fard, Cor Hydra 
a Leonis, Regidus, Cor Leonis 

j3 , Deneb Aleet, Denedola, Deneb 

y , Algeiba 

o , Zosma 

a Leporis, Arneb 

a Libras, Zuben el Genubi 

8 , Zuben el Chamali 

y , Zuben Hakrabi 

a Lyrse, Vega 
8 , Sheliak 



a Ophiuchi, Pas Alhague 

8 , Cebalrai 

a Orionis, Betelgeux 

8 , Pigel 

y , Bellatrix 

o , Mintaka 

t , Alnilam 

a Pegasi, Markab 

8 , Scheat 

y , Algenib 

t , Enif 

'C, , Homan 

a Persei, Mirfak 

8 , Algol 

a Piscis Aust., Fomalhaut 

t Sagittarii, Kaus Australis 

a Scorpionis, Antares, Cor Scorpionis 

a Serpentis, Unukalhai 

a Tauri, Aldeboran 

8 , Nath 

t) , Alcyone (Pleiad) 

a Ursas Majoris, Dubhe 

8 , Merak 

y , Phecda 

e , Alioth 

I , Mizar -__ 

n , Alkaid, Benetnasch 

i , Talitha 

a Ursae Minoris, Polaris 

8 , Kochab 

a Virginis, Spica Aximech, Spica 

(5 , Zavijavfi 

e , Vindemiatrix 




Southern Ecritcn 



THE SJO' . 



on Dec ZJ at 1C o clock 
on Dec Z4- at 3$ c clock 

on Dec. 2$ at Skc clock; 



on Jan 7 at 91 c clock 
on Jan J at 9 c clock: 
on Jan 8 at. 8% o clock; 

IN THE EVE.NINC 



on Jan fZ at Si c clock 
on Jan- /6 at &*+ c clock 
en Jan 20 at ^8 c clock. 



"For the nam**! or" the stars arrrespondurg tc the above lettering, -renter to the list at p 



HALF-HOUR WITH THE STARS IN JANUARY. 



MAP I. 

The Great Beau lies towards the north-east. The pointers are uppermost, and the pole-star is 
towards the left. 

The two stars known as The Guardians of the Pole (/3 and 7 of the Little Bear) hang below the 
pole-star, slightly towards the right. The Dragon forms a loop of stars below the Little Bear. 
Observe the Dragon's Head, 

"With eyes oblique retorted, that aslant 

Shoot gleaming fire — 

the eyes being the two stars /S and 7 towards the left, and not far raised above the north-north-west 
horizon. 

The Lyre is low down on the left, its chief star, Yega, scintillating brilliantly. Still further on 
the left, almost due north-west, is the fine cross of Cygnus, standing upright. Following the 
direction indicated by the upright of the cross, raise the eyes towards the point overhead, and 
recognise the constellation Cassiopeia, by the five bright stars forming a figure resembling the 
letter W (now raised on end, the points of the W to the left) . 

Eeturning to the horizon, and looking further round to the left, Ave see due west the constellation 
Pegasus, or the Winged Horse. He is now inverted, his head being close to the horizon on the 
right. The square of Pegasus, formed by the bright stars, fi, a, 7, and Alpherat will attract the 
observer's notice, and lead him to the constellation Andromeda, Alpherat being in Andromeda's head. 
The length of this constellation is now almost vertical ; and between the feet of Andromeda and the 
point overhead lies the constellation Perseus. Notice Algol (the Demon Star, as the Arabs termed it), 
lying due south-west, close up to the point overhead. Of the variations of this remarkable star a 
full account is given in ' Half-hours with the Telescope.' Usually the observer will see it of the 
second magnitude, however ; as it only remains a fourth-magnitude star for about twenty minutes. 
Immediately below Perseus is Aries, recognisable by the three stars which form the Eam's head. 
Below that again is Cetus, the Whale. 

Due south lies Eridanus, consisting chiefly of small stars, which cover a wide expanse of sky. 
Above is Taurus, recognisable at once by the Pleiades and Aldeboran. Still turning towards the 
left, we see Orion, nearly upright, but with his shoulders slightly thrown back. Immediately below 
Betelgeux (Ibt-al-Jauza, the Giant's Shoulder,) is Canis Major, on his hind feet, and throwing a 
fore-paw towards the Little Hare (a constellation of small stars directly below Orion) . Observe the 
leading star of the Dove (a Columbse), directly below a Leporis. Almost due west, and midwaj- 
between the horizon and the point overhead, are the twin stars Castor and Pollux, Castor being 
uppermost. Still higher lies Auriga, the star Capella, always a very conspicuous object, shining 
very brilliantly at this elevation. Canis Minor lies below the feet of The Twins. V 

Observe the small cluster, Prtesepe, or the Beehive (only visible on very clear nights) : it lies now 
almost exactly midway between Castor and the horizon. Further to the left, and near the horizon, 
is the Lion. It is well to notice ' The Sickle ' (the group of stars formed by Eegulus, 77, 7, (i, s-and 
two small stars), as this is a well-marked object. 



12 



HALF-HOUR WITH THE STARS IN FEBRUARY. 



MAP II 



The Great Bear is now midway between the horizon and the point overhead, and towards the 
north-east. The ' pointers ' are uppermost, and the pole-star lies towards the left (as shown in the 
map). 

The Guardians of the Pole are seen below, and towards the right. Immediately below the pole 
lies the Dragon's Head, the body and tail extending towards the right, to a point between the 
pointers and the Guardians of the Pole. Vega is seen just above the horizon, slightly to the left 
of the north point. Further to the left is the upper part of Cygnus, above which is the inconspicuous 
Cepheus. Due north-west, and high above the horizon, is Cassiopeia, the W being now in this 
position ^. Further to the left, and close to the horizon, is the Flying Horse. The square of 
Pegasus stands on a corner (a Pegasi), just above the horizon. The upper corner (Alpherat) of the 
square belongs to Andromeda, still inverted; and above the feet of Andromeda we see Perseus. 
Algol is now due west. 

Below Algol, but slightly to the left, is Aries ; and still lower, and further to the left, Cetus 
appears, the figure presented by its principal stars reminding one of the Mantis insect. It is now 
settin°\ The stars Mira may not be visible, as this is a variable, invisible at regular intervals for 
months together. 

Notice Eridanus setting towards the south-west, and Taurus above ; and then turn to Orion, 
almost due south, standing erect in all his glory, at the greatest elevation he ever attains in our 
latitude. 

To the left, low down, we see the Greater Dog, Sirius now shining with his full splendour. 
The doo- is still rampant ; indeed he is never seen otherwise in our latitudes. 

Lookino' upwards, and somewhat further to the left, almost due south-east we see the Twins, 
their feet resting on the borders of the Milky Way. Still higher is Auriga, now, in fact, overhead. 

Below the Twins see the Little Dog. Below this constellation the stern of the ship Argo is 
risino" into view. But as the part of this constellation which rises above our horizon contains no 
conspicuoiis stars, we need not pay much attention to it at this stage of our star-gazing. 

Somewhat to the east of south-east we see a single conspicuous star — though several small 
stars are seen in the neighbourhood. This is Cor Hydras, the Heart of the Sea Serpent. The 
Arabian astronomers gave to this star the name of Al Fard, or The Solitary One. 

Leo lies towards the east, and between the Sickle in Leo and the Lesser Dog we recognise 
PraBsepe and the two small stars on either side, known to the ancients as the Aselli. 

We have now come round again to the Great Bear. Observe how much larger an extent of 
sky this constellation covers than is commonly assigned to it by beginners. In its present aspect, 
the constellation reminds the unpoetical observer of one of those figures of a monkey turning over a 
pole which used to amuse our childhood, — the pole being supposed to run vertically through the paws 
(at the stars A. and t). 

Below the Bear's tail the head and shoulders of Bootes are rising into view. 




on Jan 20 ai 10 o 'clock : 
on Jan 23 at 94 o'clock; 
on Jan 27 at '9k o'clock* 



■Southern Eonxon 
THE SKY. 

Jan : 3/ at/ 9i o clock ; 
Feb : ^ at 9 o'clock; 
Feb : 7 at 8% o'clock; 

IN THE EVE.NI NC 



ow Feb // at 6% o clock 
on Feb J5 at 8h c 'clock 
on, Feb 19 at 8 o'clock, 



** " Hr fJit names o/' the start? corresponding to the above lettering \ refer to the list ai p 



10 



MAP 3 . 




■Southern Hcrvxcn 
THE SKY. 



on Feb 73 at 10 o'clock; i on Mar- Z 
on Feb ■■ 22 al 9$ o'clock, ; on Mar 6 

on Feb 26 at >3\ o'clock, I on Mar 3 



at 9k c clock , 
at 3 o'clock: 
a£ 8% o clock; 

E EV EN I NC 



on> Mar Id at 8h o clock 
on> Mar /7 at 8k c clock, 
orv Mar 2/ at 8 C clock 



m *Fcr the nuniM rf Ike stars correspondatg to the above lettering, re£r to tJu list at p 10 



HALF HOUR WITH THE STARS IN MARCH. 



MAP III. 



The Great Bear is now approaching the point overhead, but is easily recognised towards the 
north-east. The pointers, as shown, indicate the pole-star towards the left, and considerably 
below them. 

The Guardians of the Pole now lie on the right of and somewhat below the pole-star. Yega 
shines just above the horizon, immediately below them. Between lies the Dragon's head ; and we 
see the body and tail of the Dragon curving round between the head and the Guardians of the 
Pole. 

The upper part of Cygnus is now all that can be seen of this constellation, almost due north 
on the horizon. Further to the left, and well raised above the horizon, we see Cassiopeia. Andro- 
meda is now approaching the horizon, her head almost touching it towards the north-west. Next 
on the left is Aries, and above Aries is Perseus. 

Above Perseus is Auriga, Capella being almost due west. Cetus has nearly set, only its head 
being visible above the horizon. 

Above Eridanus (now nearly set) is Taurus, very favourably situated for observation. The 
Pleiades lie due west, and Aldeboran — a brilliant red star — to their left. 

Orion is towards the south-west, bending forwards towards the west. Above him, but some- 
what to the left, are the Twins, Castor still uppermost. 

Below the Twins are the two Dogs, Canis Major towards the south-south-west, and low down. 

Al Pard (The Solitary One), or Cor Hydrae, as he is called in the map, lies midway between the 
south and the south-east, and is well raised above the horizon. It is interesting to notice how 
blank this part of the heavens appears — so far, at least, as conspicuous stars are concerned. 

Towards the south-east is Alkes, the chief star in the Cup ; and we notice the Crow just rising 
into view towards the left. 

Above, we recognise Leo, the Sickle being now a conspicuous object. 

Yirgo has risen partially into view above the eastern horizon. The cup-shaped group formed 
by the five stars shown in the map was called by the Arabian observers, for reasons not yet explained. 
' The Retreat of the Howling Dog.' 

Bootes has now risen entirely above the horizon, though as yet in a recumbent position : 
Arcturus is a conspicuous object on the right of this constellation. 

Below the head and shoulders of Bootes notice the Crown, one star only of which (Alphecca) is 
shown in the map. Doubtless this group of stars originally formed the right arm of Bootes. The 
constellation recently attracted much notice as the region in which a new star (or rather, an irregular 
variable) made its appearance a year or two ago. 

Hercules is gradually rising into view towards the north-east. 



HALF-HOUR WITH THE STARS IN APRIL. 



MAP IV. 



The Great Bear is now easily found, being nearly overhead. The pole lies below the pointers. 

The Guardians of the Pole are now somewhat higher than the pole towards the right. Below 
the pole-star is Cepheus, and due west of him is Cassiopeia, the W gradually approaching its 
natural position. Andromeda's feet are to be seen above the south-western horizon, and towards 
the left, Aries is setting. 

Above Aries is Perseus, now well situated for observation. The brilliancy of the Milky Way in 
this neighboui-hood is worth noticing. 

Due west is the Bull, above which lies Auriga. 

Orion is now approaching the horizon, and is prone towards his ' western grave ; ' above him 
hang ' the starry Gemini.' 

Towards the left are the two Dogs. The Greater Dog is now setting. 

Al Fard (Cor Hydrge) is somewhat to the west of south. Above is the Sickle in Leo, due south, 
and with its handle vertical. 

The length of Hydra is now nearly raised above the horizon. We may notice in passing that 
the Sea Serpent originally extended along the equator, and we believe that the epoch at which the 
ancient constellations were formed may be more correctly deduced from this correspondence than 
from any other, since few ideas of antiquity are more commonly recognised than that of the equa- 
torial (and also oceanic) Serpent. It is strange, by the way, that sea monsters form so large a part 
of the mythology of the ancients, and a fanciful mind might incline to the notion that the ancients 
preserved in their celestial globes the records -of sea-creatures once well known but now extinct. 
The reader if he have a taste for fanciful speculations may here refer to Gosse's chapter on the 
' Great Unknown,' in which he argues that the Sea Serpent (despite Professor Owen's arguments 
to the contrary) is a true Dolichodeiros — that is, not a serpent but a paddling long-necked lizard. 
Certainly the Cetus and Hydra of ancient globes might not unreasonably be urged in support of this 
view ; and the Dragon would figure as a respectable pterodactyl. 

Virgo has now risen, and the brilliant Spica is a conspicuous object towards the south-east. 
Just above the horizon is the star /3 of the Scales. 

Due east is the Serpent just above the horizon. It must be noticed, however, that a part of 
this constellation lies on the further side of the as yet unrisen Ophiuchus. Serpens is the only 
constellation thus divided. 

Above Serpens is Bootes, still nearly recumbent. Coma Berenices and Cor Caroli occupy the 
positions severally accorded to them in the map. 

To the left of Serpens is Hercules, or Engonasin, the Kneeler, supposed by many to represent 
Adam kneeling on the head of the Serpent, Draco. 

The Lyra has now nearly risen, in the north-east, immediately beneath the Dragon's head. 




ow Mar 27 at 10 o'clock; 
on Mar: 21 at; 9% o'clock; 
ow Mar. 28 at/ 9^ o'clock; 



&>uthvnv Ebrixw 
THE SKY 

ow v4pr. 7 at' 3k o'clock; 
ow Jlpr. $ at 9 o'clock; 
ow Jlpr. 8 a£ 8% o'clock; 

IN THE EVENING. 



ow ^pr. 72 at/6\o clock; 
ow Jlpr 76 at/ 8k o clock; 
on/ Jfar 20 at/ 8 o 'clock; 



**JFbr Ow names of the/ stars, corresponding to the/ above lettering, reter to the/ list/ at/ p. 10. 

Vincent Brooks Day i Son kth 




Southern Kcn^crv 



THE SJOT. 



onJlpril/ 20 at> 10 o'clock:: 
orufyriZ 23 at M o 'clock ; 
orvJpril 27 at/9% o'clock; 



on/ May 7 at/ 9h c clock 

on Ma\- S at 9 o'clock 

on Mcvy 9 at- 8% o'clock 

IN TH E EVENING. 



on/ May 73 at 8\ o clock, 
on May 77 at 8h o 'clock, 
cw May 27 at 8 o dock, 



"Tor the/ rtames of the stars, corrxusponding to the abow Utteruig, reier, to the list/ al p.10. 

rool Da, t 5 en LA 



15 



HALF-HOUR WITH THE STARS IN MAY. 



MAP V. 



The Great Bear still overhead is found immediately, and the pointers, which have now crossed 
over to the west of the zenith, point downwards to the pole-star. 

The Guardians of the Pole are now higher than the pole, towards the right. 

Below the pole, Cepheus and Cassiopeia are seen, the former on the right. Andromeda has 
nearly disappeared ; and Perseus has passed the north-west, and is approaching the horizon. The 
Pleiades are just setting, almost due north-west ; and above is Auriga. 

In the west we see Betelgeux, the sole star belonging to Orion now visible. Above, and due 
west, are the twin-stars Castor and Pollux. We have, in fact, the configuration described by 
Tennyson, speaking of the season we are considering : — 

' It fell on a time of year 
When the shining daffodil dies, and the Charioteer 
And starry Gemini hang like glorious crowns 
Over Orion's grave, low down in the west.' 

Canis Major has set, but the Lesser Dog is still above the horizon, to the left of and below the 
Twins. 

Cor Hydrse (The Solitary One) is almost exactly towards the south-west, and above is Leo. 

Due south, the small quadrangle of Corvus is seen, above which is ' The Eetreat of the Howling 
Dog,' Spica shining conspicuously on the left, towards the south-south-east. 

Libra has risen into view, and somewhat to the east of south-east we see the first indications of 
the interesting southern constellation Scorpio. 

The vertical row of conspicuous stars, formed by a part of Ophiuchus and the body of Serpens, 
is well worth noticing. Above it is Bootes : to the left of which, and lower down, we see Hercules, 
inverted. His head is marked by the upper alpha, the lower representing the head of Ophiuchus, 
the Serpent-holder — typical, some suppose, of the Messiah. The feet of 'the kneeling Hercules are 
on the head of Draco, whose body and tail extend upwards, between the Guardians of the Pole and 
the greater Bear. It is impossible not to recognise, from the configuration of this constellation as 
now seen, that the ancients looked on the stars which form the Lesser Bear as forming a wing of 
Draco. 

Beneath the Dragon's head we see the Lyre. The Swan has now risen above the horizon, and 
the cross belonging to this constellation is seen in an almost horizontal position. The brilliancy of 
the Milky Way at this part of its extent is well worth noticing. In the space between the stars a, 
& and j Cygni, there is a distinctly-marked black gap in the Milky Way, which has been termed 
the Northern Coalsack. The extension of the Milky Way towards Cepheus should also be noticed. 



16 



HALF-HOUR WITH THE STABS IN JUNE. 



MAP VI. 



The last star of the Great Bear's tail is now just passing the point overhead. The pointers are 
lowermost, and the pole-star is below, towards the right. 

The Guardians of the Pole are above the pole-star, a little towards the right. Below them is 
Cassiopeia, the W being now almost in the proper position of the letter. To the left is Perseus, 
Algol being quite close to the horizon. Further round to the left we see Capella and the other 
stars of Auriga low down towards the horizon. Not much higher are the twin- stars Castor and 
Pollux, Castor to the left, the feet of the twins resting on the horizon. It is interesting to compare 
the splendour of the sky near the horizon, from Gemini in the west-north-west, to Cassiopeia in 
the north, with the comparative blankness of the part of the sky immediately above these constel- 
lations. 

Prsesepe is almost due west, about as high as Castor. Leo has come round so far towards the 
west that the tip of the Sickle just reaches that point of the compass. Below Eegulus is Al Fard, 
now near sitting. 

Virgo is now at her highest, Spica shining resplendently a little towards the west of south. 

Below Virgo notice Corvus and Crater, two of the neatest small constellations in the heavens. 

Due south, just above the horizon, is the head of the southern constellation the Centaur. 
Above Virgo, and almost due south, we see Bootes, now nearly upright, and presenting a fine figure, 
as with uplifted arm (the stars belonging to the Crown) he chases Ursa Major past the zenith. 

Eeturning to the neighbourhood of the horizon observe the brilliant red star Antares, or Cor 
Scorpionis, lately risen above the south-eastern horizon. Due south-east we see a fine line of bril- 
liant stars formed by £*, s, and 8 Ophiuchi, and s, a, and S Serpentis. These stars, with rj Ophiuchi, 
and the stars 7 and /3 Serpentis, form a figure much resembling a sabre, the cross-handle being 
formed by two stars not shown in the map. Nearly the whole of the large constellation Ophiuchus 
(the reader will remember how Milton says of a comet, that it 

' Fired the length of Ophiuchus large)' 

has now risen above the horizon. It requires some imagination to recognise in it the figure of a 
man holding a serpent ; but this is not the only instance in which the stars of a constellation bear 
little resemblance to the figure from which the constellation is named. 

Hercules is now nearly due east and high above the horizon. Towards the same quarter, but 
quite close to the horizon, Aquila is coming into view, the brilliant Altair scintillating finely. Lyra 
is above, Vega being almost exactly midway between the horizon and the point overhead. 

The leading star of Cygnus is towards the north-east, the length of the cross being still nearly 
horizontal. Between Cygnus and the point overhead, is the head of the Dragon, the body and tail 
winding off towards the left and upwards, above the Guardians of the Pole. 

On the dates named in the third column under this map the stars cannot be seen, as it is not 
yet dark. Therefore use Map VII. two hours later. For instance, on June 21, use Map VII. at ten 
o'clock, and similarly for other days at.the end of June. 




otv Mw Z7 at/ 10 o 'clock ; 
orvJlay ZS ai>Si o'clock ; 
on May Z8 alS \ o 'clock; 



Souttiern Horizon 



THE SKY. 

vw Jun& 7 erf/ &i o'clock; 
on? June/ & at/ 3 o'clock; 
orv t7un& & at Mo clock ; 

IN THE EVENING. 



orv June/ 73 at/ 8\ o 'clock; 
otv Jhrve//7 at/ M o clock, 
ow Jiuze £7 at' 8 C 'clock: 



f *For the/ nanuur of the stars, corresporuljinc/ to the, above- lettering, refer to the* list/ at p. 10. 



"Vincent BroolmDay t Son Lift 




orv Jime/2/ at 10 o'clock; 
orv Jii7?&25 abVi o'clock; 
on June 29 at Sk o'clock; 



Joutherrv Ebrvxcrv 
THE SKY 

on i/uty 3 at' 91 o'clock ; 
ow July 7 at 9 o'clock; 
ow July 10 at 8% o 'clock ; 

IN THE EVEN INC. 



ow Juh> 14- at/ S\o 'chck, 
orv Jiuy 78 at Sh o'clock, 
orv Jhu' 22 at' 8 c 'clack; 



"*For the/ namar of the/ stars, corresponding to the/ above lettering, reter, to the list/ al/ p. 10. 

"HncentSrookBDft.) I Son Lift 



HALF-HOUR WITH THE STARS IN JULY. 



MAP VII 



The Great Beau is now descending towards the north-west. The pointers lie nearly halfway 
between the point overhead and the horizon, towards the north-west. Thus the pole-star lies to the 
right of the pointers. 

The Guardians of the Pole have passed above the pole towards the left. Below the pole, and 
close to the horizon, we see Perseus on the right, and Auriga on the left. Capella is scintillating 
brilliantly, as are Castor and Pollux, which are now setting near the north-west, Pollux lowest, and 
on the left. 

Prsesepe is nearly set, and will probably not be visible in the thick air so low down. 

Leo is approaching the horizon, the Sickle being inclined forwards. Above /S Leonis notice the 
Hair of Berenice, halfway between the horizon and the point overhead, and forming an interesting 
object at this elevation. 

Bootes stands now in the north-west, high up above the horizon. Below Arcturus is Spica, 
and lower still, towards the right, the Crow and Cup are setting. 

The constellation Scorpio forms a magnificent object in the south. The stars which are 
assigned to this constellation in maps form but a portion of the original constellation, and it is not 
difficult to recognise in the arrangement of the stars now lying towards the south a resemblance to 
the figure of a Scorpion with extended claws. 

Above Scorpio we see the group of stars compared to a sabre, now no longer vertical, but 
inclined forwards. ' Ophiuchus large ' is fully raised, and reaches from the horizon more than half- 
way to the point overhead, and from the south to the south-east, Below his head (a) we see 
Sagittarius just rising above the horizon ; and above Ophiuchus, Hercules extends right up to the 
point overhead. 

The three bright stars in the body of Aquila are now midway between south-east and east ; the 
uppermost is 7, the lowest /3, and the middle star is Altair. Above, towards the left, is Lyra, Vega 
being now raised far towards the point overhead. Below Vega is the head of C} r gnus, and the cross 
of Cygnus is now in a position exactly horizontal, and also exactly midway between the point over- 
head and the horizon ; in other words, each of the stars a, 7, and /3 Cygni now has an elevation 
of forty-five degrees above the horizon. 

Below Cygnus, Pegasus is rising into view, three stars of the square being visible, and the nose 
of the horse (s) due east. Andromeda has just risen above the north-eastern horizon. Above her 
feet we see Cassiopeia, the W still in its natural position. 

Draco forms a curve round and above the Guardians of the Pole, his head being to the 
east, and close to the point overhead. 

On the dates mentioned in the last column under this map it will be better to use Map VIII., 
two hours later. 



18 



HALF-HOUR WITH THE STAES IN AUGUST. 



MAP VIII. 

The Geeat Bear is now in the north-west and midway between the point overhead and the horizon, 
the pole to the right of the pointers. 

The Guardians of the Pole have swung round above the pole-star towards the north-north-west. 
Below the pole is the head of the Charioteer, Capella still low down towards the right of the north 
point. Above the Lesser Bear is the body of Draco. His head is almost exactly overhead. 

Below the Great Bear, and somewhat towards the left, Leo is setting, only a part of the Sickle 
being visible. Coma Berenices lies immediately above the tip of the Lion's tail (J3), and above 
Coma again is Cor Caroli and the poor constellation the Hunting Dogs, of which Cor Caroli is the 
leading brilliant. 

Virgo is setting, ' The Retreat of the Howling Dog ' having already lost one of its stars. To 
the left Spica is scintillating brilliantly, close to the horizon in the west-south-west. 

Bootes is now midway between the horizon and the point overhead, and inclining forwards, his 
head and shoulders due west, his feet above Spica. 

In the south-west is Libra, close to the horizon. Above is Serpens, reaching to a point midway 
between the horizon and the point overhead. Between the head of the serpent (7, /3) and the 
zenith we see Hercules, reaching round from the south to the west, and still inverted. In fact, 
Hercules is never seen upright in our latitudes. This kneeling figure must have been conceived by 
astronomers living in other latitudes and at a time when the pole was very differently situated. 

Ophiuchus has now passed the south towards south-south-west ; and Antares with the other 
stars of Scorpio lie towards the same quarter low down towards the horizon. It is interesting to 
notice the portion of the Milky Way now brought into view towards the south. "We see here the 
commencement of that part of the Milky "Way which by its superior brilliancy, as seen in southern 
latitudes, indicates the greater proximity of the galaxy in that direction. It is also interesting to 
notice how singularly the two branches of the Milky Way vary in splendour along the southern half 
of the semicircle now above the horizon. For in Cygnus the upper branch is much the brightest, 
yet this branch vanishes altogether away in Ophiuchus. On the other hand the lower branch, 
faint in Cygnus, becomes very bright in Aquila and Sagittarius. 

Lyra is high up towards the point overhead, the stars /3 and 7 forming a pendent to the 
brilliant Yega. Below them, towards the south-east, and about halfway between the horizon and 
the point overhead, is Altair, 7 and @ Aquilse lying almost in a vertical line, one above, the other 
below, Altair. Low down towards the horizon are the zodiacal constellations Sagittarius (extending 
from south to south-south-east), Capricomus (extending past the south-eastern quarter) ; and 
Aquarius, reaching nearly to the east. It is, indeed, noteworthy that from the north-west right 
round through south to the north-east, the horizon is occupied by zodiacal constellations, no less 
than eight of which are thus situated — though Pisces, having no conspicuous stars, is not marked-in 
in Map VIII. 

Cygnus is high up towards the east, and below Arided is the square of Pegasus. The left-hand 
star of the square is Alpherat, and Andromeda lies in a nearly horizontal position, her feet being 
towards the north-east. Above these is Cassiopeia, the right-hand side of the W beginning to be 
the highest. Below, and close to the horizon, is Perseus. 




Southern Borvxon 



on July 22 at IC o'clock; 
on July 26 at H o'clock; 
on July 30 at '9k o'clock; 



THE SJCT. 

on Aug 3 at/ Sic clock; 
on Aug: 7 at ,9 o'clock; 
on Aag // at 8% o'clock; 

IN THE EVENING. 



onJvu/. 15 at' 8\ v 'clock.; 
on Aug: 79 at, 8h c cloak, 
owAua Z3 at 8 o'clock: 



m *Tcr the/ names oftti£ stars, corresponding to tk& above; lettering, refer- to the list/ al p H) 



Vincent Brooks Day k Sou Lilt 



. 




^utherrv Ecrvxon 



TKE SKY. 



on Auy 23 at W o'clock; 
on Juy. 27 at S% o'clock, , 
cm Any. 37 at/dk o'clock; 



Sep. 4 at/ 9k c clock; 

Sep. S at 9 o'clock.; 

Sep. 12 al 8% o'clock; 

IN THE EY EMI HO. 



on/ Sep 7S at/ Si o 'clock 
crv Sep. 7$ at 8k c clock 
ow Sep. 23 at/ 8 o 'clock 



*fbr tJw name* of the xtar.s corresponding to the above lettering, reter to the/ list at p 10. 



SEPTEMBER. 19 



HALF-HOUR WITH THE STARS IN SEPTEMBER. 



MAP IX. 



The Great Bear is now passing towards the north, and getting low down. The pointers are to the 
right of the seven stars, and the pole-star lies above them and towards the right. 

The Guardians of the Pole are to the left of, and scarcely higher than, the pole-star. The 
Dragon passes between the two Bears towards the west, his head being still high above the horizon. 
Coma Berenices is setting between north-west and west-north-west. Bootes has passed the west, 
and forms a fine figure above that part of the horizon. The Northern Crown, with the brilliant 
Alphecca, is due west, about midway between the horizon and the point overhead. 

Above the Crown are the feet of Hercules. His head and shoulders are to the left of the Crown, 
and at about the same height above the horizon. The Serpent lies between the shoulders of Her- 
cules and the horizon. On the left is ' Ophiuchus large ' towards the south-west, and extending 
from the horizon halfway to the point overhead. The brilliant Vega lies towards the same quarter, 
but much higher up. 

Aquila is due south, Altair being about midway between the horizon and the point overhead. 
Close to the horizon, and extending from south-south-west to south, is Sagittarius. Next to him on 
the left is Capricornus, and next to that again is Aquarius, now covering a wide range of sky 
between Capricornus and Pegasus. In the zenith is Cygnus, the upright and cross-rod of the 
cross being now about equally inclined to the horizon. The square of Pegasus has passed the east, 
the left-hand star being still Alpherat, and Andromeda still in a horizontal position. Cassiopeia 
is in the north-east, and raised somewhat more than halfway from the horizon towards the point 
overhead. 

Below Andromeda, Aries has fully risen ; and towards the north-east, low down, we see the 
Pleiades again. Between them and Cassiopeia lies Perseus. It is well to notice this constellation 
while in its present position, and also the richness of the background of milky light in this neigh- 
bourhood. The whole of this part of the heavens is full of beauty, and contrasts strangely with the 
barren region close by, between the north point of the horizon and Cassiopeia. 

Auriga is rising above the north-north-east horizon, and Capella is beginning to scintillate less 
brilliantly as it rises above the denser strata of the atmosphere. 



20 



HALF-HOUR WITH THE STARS IN OCTOBER. 



MAP X. 



The Great Bear is low down towards the north-north-west ; the pole-star lying above and very 
little to the right of the pointers. 

The Guardians of the Pole are now below the pole-star on the left, and almost exactly midway 
between the horizon and the point overhead. The Dragon passes between the two Bears, and round 
to the left of the Guardians of the Pole. His head is towards the west-north-west, high up above 
the horizon. 

Cor Caroli is approaching the horizon, and Bootes is already half set. So also is Serpens in the 
west. But Corona is still well raised above the north-north-west horizon. Hercules is in the west, 
but extends over a wide range from side to side. Vega is due west, and high above the horizon, the 
stars /3 and 7 lying to the left at about the same height. Also at about the same height is the 
star /3 of the Swan, and the cross of Cygnus is now upright again, Arided lying near the point 
overhead. 

Altair is in the south-west, raised somewhat less than halfway from the horizon towards the 
point overhead. Below Aquila is Sagittarius. Next, to the left and somewhat higher, is Capri- 
cornus ; and, next, Aquarius in the south. 

A noted star, Foinalhaut, the most southerly first-magnitude star ever seen in this country, is 
now visible towards the east of south, and very low down. It is the chief star of the Southern Fish, 
a constellation not to be confounded with the southernmost of the Fishes. 

The square of Pegasus is towards the south-east, raised high above the horizon. Alpherat is 
still the most easterly star of the square, and Andromeda is still horizontal, though now well raised 
above the eastern horizon. 

The sea-monster, Cetus, covers a wide range of the sky, low down towards the east-south- 
eastern horizon. The limits of the constellation, indeed, as defined by astronomers, extend from the 
east to the south-south-east. 

Aries is in the east, about halfway between Andromeda and the horizon. 

Taurus has now risen in the east-north-east, Aldeboran, the brightest red star in the heavens, 
scintillating brilliantly low down towards the horizon. 

Above the head and horns of Taurus, is Perseus, and immediately above Perseus, raised three- 
quarters of the way from the horizon towards the point overhead, is Cassiopeia, the W now almost 
on end, and having the points towards the right. 

Auriga has now risen in the north-east, Capella being almost exactly in that quarter, and raised 
somewhat more than one-fourth of the way towards the point overhead. 

Castor is just rising between the north-east and north-north-east. 




^outhcni JTortiorv 



on . Sep 23 oJtlO o'clock, 
on Sep 26' alMo clock; 
on ■ Sep .30 a t^'i o'clock; 



THE SKY 

on Oct 4 at mo dock, 
on, Oct, 8 at v,9 o'clock . 
on Oct II at 8% o'clock. 

IN THE EVE.NI NC 



on Oct 15 at 8\ o clock, 
on Oct/ Id at 8k o clock, 
on Oct, 23 at 8 o'clock; 



"Tor the names of the' stars, corresponding tc the above UztUruig, reth: to the list; 



aJ p. 10. 



Vmcui /.p.i'k-r.iv 8 S,viT;i; 




on Oct .23 al IC o'clock; 
on Oct 26 at 9^ o clock. 
on Oct: 30 at9\ o'clock ; 



Southern Hcrtixw 



owJVfjv. J at 9k v deck; 
on> JVoy.- 7 at 8 o'clock: 
en M>y 10 at 8% o clock ; 

IN THE EVENING. 



on JVoy 14- af 8% o 'clock, 
on' JVoy. 7$ at 8k o 'clock, 
cwJVow ZZ af 8 o'clock; 



** m For ttw noma? oflh& stars, corresponding to the above< lettering, reter. to tlm Ust/ af p. 10 



Vincent .Brorir a.) t son Liu. 



HALF-HOUR WITH THE STARS IN NOVEMBER. 



MAP XL 



The Great Bear is now due north, and at its lowest ; the pole-star lying above, and somewhat to 
the left of, the pointers. 

The Guardians of the Pole are below and to the left of the pole-star, and immediately above 
the last star of the Great Bear's tail. 

The head of Draco has now come to the north-west, and is not nearly so high above the horizon 
as it was a month ago. 

Due north-west, and almost on the horizon, is Alphecca, the other stars of the Crown being also 
very close to the horizon. Between Alphecca and the Great Bear the head and shoulders of Bootes 
are still to be seen above the horizon. 

In the west-north-west, close to the horizon, are the heads of the two giant constellation- 
figures, Hercules and Ophiuchus. The left-hand and brighter a marks the place of the head of the 
Serpent-bearer, who is now passing below the horizon. The whole of Hercules, on the other hand, 
is still above the horizon, and, as usual, inverted. Above is Lyra ; and Cygnus now occupies a 
conspicuous position in the west, midway between the horizon and the point overhead, the cross 
being still nearly vertical. 

Aquila, the Eagle, is approaching the western horizon, Altair being in the west-south-west, 
and raised almost exactly one-fourth of the way towards the point overhead. Above Altair, and 
towards the left, is an interesting little constellation not marked in the map — Delphinus. It will be 
recognised at once, though consisting only of small stars, by the resemblance it presents to the 
figure of a dolphin leaping from the sea. 

Capricornus is in the south-west, low down ; and next to it is Aquarius, covering a wide range 
of the sky, and reaching almost to the south. 

Below is Eomalhaut, nearing the south-south-west horizon. 

The square of Pegasus is now at its highest, the left-hand side of the square vertical, the highest 
star on that side being Alpherat. Andromeda is still horizontal, — in fact, it is a peculiarity of this 
constellation that throughout its rise, from near the horizon to near the point overhead, the star 
Alpherat is always very nearly on the same level with a portion of the line joining the two stars 7 
and 51, which mark the feet of Andromeda. This is true from the epoch indicated in Map VII. 
to that indicated in Map XI., or through one-third part of the constellation's course round the pole. 

Cetus is now well raised about the south-south-east horizon. The star a (Menkar) lies to 
the east of south-east. Immediately above this star is the head of Aries ; below it is Eridanus, now 
rising in the south-east. 

Orion also is rising, the three stars forming his belt almost upright towards the east. Above 
them is Aldeboran, and above that star are the Pleiades. Near the point overhead is Cassiopeia ; 
below Cassiopeia, and somewhat to the right, is Perseus ; below Perseus, and to the left, is Auriga, 
with the brilliant Capella ; and below Auriga the twin-stars Castor and Pollux have risen, Castor 
vertically above Pollux. 



22 



HALF-HOUR WITH THE STARS IN DECEMBER. 



MAP XII. 



The tip of the Great Bear's tail lies almost due north, and low down. The pointers are towards 
the north-north-east, and the pole-star is above, and towards the left. 

The Guardians of the Pole hang below the pole-star, slightly towards the left. Draco hangs 
below the Lesser Bear, extending around from right to left, where his body bends downwards again. 
The head of Draco lies between north-west and north-north-west, raised almost exactly one-fourth 
of the way from the horizon towards the point overhead. Towards the left, slightly lower, is Vega, 
the companion stars /3 and 7 lying on the left. 

Cygnus is in the west-north-west, the cross again upright, and Arided raised somewhat less 
than halfway from the horizon towards the point overhead. Above, very near the point overhead, 



Low down, and somewhat to the right of the western point of the horizon, is Altair, with his 
companion stars /3 and 7, the former on his left, the latter on his right. 

The square of Pegasus is still high above the horizon, towards the west-south-west. The 
highest star of the square is Alpherat, and Andromeda now extends from this point to the point 
overhead, close to which are both her feet. 

Aquarius is setting in the west-south-west. Cetus is due south, well raised above the horizon. 
The space below Cetus, quite bare of conspicuous stars, belongs to the southern constellations 
Sculptor and Fornax. Above Cetus is Aries, the star a due south, and raised nearly three-fourths 
of the way from the horizon towards the point overhead. 

Above the south-south-east horizon is Eridanus, covering a large space of the sky. Orion has 
now risen well above the south-eastern horizon somewhat easterly. Above him is Taurus, the 
Pleiades now shining very conspicuously. 

Near the point overhead is Perseus, the star a being towards the east, and Algol towards the 
south-east. 

Below Perseus, somewhat to the left, is Auriga ; and below the brilliant Capella are to be seen 
the twin-stars Castor and Pollux, the .constellation Gemini being now in a horizontal position, the 
feet of the twins {jjl and 7) resting on the Milky Way. Procyon has just risen above the eastern 
horizon. 

Towards the north-east the sky is almost blank. But low down may be seen two stars belonging 
to the Sickle in Leo, now rising above the north-eastern horizon. 



SPOIIIS1YOODK I 




cw Nov. 22 ai IV o clock ; 
on Nov: 25 at 9% o'clock; 
on Nov.- 29 at 9\ o'clock; 



•Southern He/Ken 
THE SJT5T. 

on. De& 3 at' $k c clock; 
on Dec/. 7 at 9 o'clock; 
on Dec/: 10 at 8% p clock; 

IN THE E.VENINC. 



onJ?ec- 7-4- at 8\ o'clock, 
on J)eo:- 77 at 8k o 'cl-ock; 
owJJec: 27 at/ 8 o'clock; 



*"*-For the* names ofttie- .stars, corresponduig to the above/ lettering, reler, to the/ list/ al/ p. to. 



